Developing unit for x-ray and other photographic films



Dec. 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER 1,890,366

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAF .C FILMS Filed April 50,1930 s Sheets-Sheet 1 J. E. BOWKER Dec. 6, 1932.

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30,1930 6 Sheets-Sheet -2 Jnv #259??? :7 46 a J. E. BOWKEIR Dec. 6, 1932.

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-HAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30,1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec, 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER DEVELOPING UNIT FORX-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet.4

Dec. 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER 1,390,365

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHQTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30,1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 L 323 f7 .g j. v

Dec. 6, 1932. J, ow 1,890,366

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30,1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 wander.

. Patented Dec. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES -PATENT OFFICE JOHN EARL BOWKER,OF IVANHOE, NEAR MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA DEVELOPING UNIT FORx-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPIEHC FILMS Application filed April 30, 1980,Serial No. 448,687, and in Australia June 26, 1929.

The invention is directed to a self contained 13 unitary or compositecabinet for the development of X-ray and other photographic films in anexpeditious manner, the cabinet bein usable in a room open to light thuseliminating the necessity for a dark room, while the compactness of thecabinet enables it to be readily transported, and'further advantages andfeatures thereof will be apparent from the fore oing'description.

The invention has or its object the provi- -si0n of a selfcontained'cabinet'of the handinsertion type having embodied therein adark chamber and means combined therewith whereby the operator standingin a room open to light may carry out all the steps necessary in filmdevelopment within the cabinet, including the unloading of the film froma cassette, immersion of the film in a. developing tank, rinsing tank,fixing tank and washing tank, and then effect the passing of the 3developed film into a drying chamber.

A further object of the invention is to provide a self contained cabinetwith light-tight means to permit the insertion of the operar tors handsinto a dark chamber embodied in the cabinetwhich also incorporates 0.cassette, film, and hanger magazines and developing, fixing, washing andrinsing tanks and means whereby the film can be transferred to any oneof the members and thence to a drying chamber, all the members describedbeing disposed within the cabinet which is provided with inspectionpanels or windows and means for diffusing the interior of the darkchamber with varying colored lights, as will be hereinafter described.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood it .will nowbe described with reference to the accompanying draw- C ings in whichFigure 1 is a view in front elevation of one form of the developingunit, and

Figure 2 is a plan thereof.

Figure 3 is a view in front elevation of the developing unitillustrating the interior'o-f the cabinet.

Figure 4 is a sectional plan taken on line AA, Figure 1. I

Figure 5 is a vertical central section of the developing unit.- 60Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan view in detail of the hanger magazine.

Figure 7 is a plan view of one of the tanks employed in'the developinunit, and

Fi re 8 is a section ta en on line BB of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view of the tank illustrated inFigures 7 and 8.

Figure 10 is a view in transverse section of a film tray, and 70 Figure11 is a fragmentary plan thereof.

Fi are 12 is a sectional view of the drying cham er of the developingunit illustrating the movement of the film tray.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a film hanger employed in thisinvention, and

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view in elevation of the adjustablearm on thehanger.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary erspective view of a modified form of filmanger.

Figure 16 is a side sectional view illustrating the shape of the leavesof the cassette magazine.

Figures 17 and 18 are views of the wiring diagrams of the heating and dring system l and the lighting system respectively of the developingunit.

Figure 19 is a fr'a entary sectional view embodying automatlc means foremptying and filling the tanks employed in the unit.

Figure 20 is a. sectional view of an alternative upper door usable inthe developing unit.

Figure 21 is a section taken on line C-C, Figure 2Q.

Figure 22'is a view in plan of a magazine for use in dental or smallphotographic film work, and

Figure 23 is a section taken on line DD,

Fl 6 22. I Figure is a front elevation of 9. developing unit embodyingthe principle of the larger unit but usab e where the volume of workdoes not warrant the installation of the laiiger unit.

igure 25 is a vertical section of the unit illustrated in Figure 24.

Fi re 26 is a erspective view illustrating t e interior 0 a developingunit for use in handlin smaller photographs.

.Figure 2 is a view 'in elevation of a hanger employed in developingsmall photographs.

The invention is directed to a roduct or unit which is self-contained anwhich is directed to a cabinet to replace thedark rooms now employed forthe development of X-ray and other photographic films. FAccording to thea parat-us illustrated in 1 terial is divided into upper and lowercompartments 6, 7 from the horizontal centre 8.

The lower compartment 7 is divided into a plurality of smallercompartments 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, while the upper compartment 6 is adaptedto be opened to all the said smaller cogpartments 9 to 13.

e u per compartment 6 at one end is provide with a drying compartment 14normally closed from said compartment 6 by a hinged door 15 and thiscompartment 14 is open to the lower drying compartment 13 in linetherewith at that end of the cabinet.

- The up r compartment 6 forms tre workin cham r ofthe unit and in workis light tig t, while at the back of this chamber 6 is a window 16behind which a white light 17 and also (if desired) a red'light is disosed, the glass of the window being froste or is formed of flashed opalor other suitable diffusion material so that while in work the completedfilms can be i ected in the man ner. required in pathological surveys ifso desired.

A red or ruby glass inspection window 18 or windows is or are positionedat an inclination at the front top position or inany other suitableposition ofthe cabinet 5 and a red or ruby lamp'or lamps 19 is or areprovided with the rear of the cabinet 5 to throw the light into theenclosed compartment 6 in the required position, so that in thiscomartment the correct.light.tone necessaryor developing is achieved inthe compartment 6, as this light is required for inspec tion and work inthe chamber and the ruby or red light does not throw any shadow duringthe working operations.

- The compartment 6 during the developing period'is closed by a lighttight door or preferably two doors 20, 21, adapted to open outwardly andclose inwardly to the centre These doors 20, 21 are:providedwi thopemings 23 aroun d whichfare-1mounted r eeve covers 24 of fabric or otherflexible opaque res 1 to 19, a ca inet 5 of suitable ma-' ers beingsuspen material, the material used bein preferably elastic orstretchable so that the hands of the operator are free to work withinthe cabinet 5 to effect all the ste s of developin the films thusproviding lig t covers for t e arms 0 the operator and when not in usethese sleeve covers may he covered by hinged flaps (not shown) tomaintain the cabinet appearance of the unit.

The compartment 9 is divided at 25 to provide a stora e chamber 26 and acassette magazine cham r 27, the magazine chambers being formed bypartitions and'are graduated as at 26a toaccommodate var ing sizes ofcassettes and so that they are al in alignment at the top.

The cassette magazine 27 is open at the top but is normall closed fromthe compartment 6 by a sli ing cover 28, preferably lead lined, which isadapted to be moved over the top 29 of the compaitment 26 so that thecassettes can be removed as required from the ma azine 27 by the handsof the operator woi lring within the compartment 6.

These magazine chambers 27. are preferably open at the front 27a tofacilitate the placing of the cassettes in the magazine,

which is more conveniently effected the opening of the door 30 at thefront 27a and passing the cassettes into the front to the rear. v

Below the'magazine chambers 27 is a space in which is placed a slidabletray 31 which receives waste matter such as the paper or the magazinefrom other covers of the used films, aspace '32 being provided at theback of the magazine 27 by stepping as illustrated to allow the" wastematter to drop through from the compartmentGintO-the tray 31. Y

After the removal of the required films from the cassettes the slide 28is returnedto cover the magazine 27 The compartment 10 receives asliding film hanger magazine in the'form .of a'drawer 33 which isprovided with a plurality"ofcham-.

bars 34 formed by the partitions 35 in which.

the supply of han ers is positioned, the hangded therein by projectionsformed thereon as hereinafter described .which rest in grooves. asformed in the top of the chambers 34. a

In the compartment 11 a film' box magazine 37 is disposed, the magazinecompartments.

38 of which are shaped to receive boxes of films of vary sizes but withthe top of the boxes .flush wlth the top of the compartments 38'.-

These compartments 10 and 11 are normal-' 1y closed bya door 39positioned in the front of the cabinet; I

Covering the compartments 10 and 11. is a working tray or bench 40 whichis adapted to slide so that it, covers or uncovers. the magazines 33 and37, it being obvious that when the operator is at work in thecompartment 6,

the bench covers these magazines 33 and 37. At the rear of thecompartment 6 above these magazines 33 and 37 is a V or other shapedpocket 41 to receive the cassettes or hangers during any of theoperations required in developing the films.

The compartment 12 has mounted or depending therein a plurality of tankswhich may be of any number as required according to the work, but asillustrated, four tanks are shown, comprising a developing tank 42, arinsing tank 43, fixing tank 44 and washing tank 45.

These tanks are provided with rims 42a around the top thereof which seaton a transverse member 425 in the compartment 12 having openings 42ctherein through which the tanks depend, to provide for the suspensionthereof.

A cover 46 is provided for the tanks 42, 43 and 44, and this coverfunctions to automatically drain into the washing tank which isuncovered by means of a corresponding opening 46a in the cover 46 whichis preferably set at a slight incline as at 46?) towards the tank 45.

The cover 46 normally fits over the tanks so as to exclude the lightfrom the developing and fixing tanks,42 and 44 respectively and also toallow theiwater draining off the films being viewed to run back into thewashing tank 45 thereby maintaining the solutions in the developing a dfixing tanks free from contamination and at a constant strength.

By maintaining the washing tank 45 uncovered as illustrated, films maybe readily removed therefrom for inspection purposes.

The cover 46 is hinged at 47 so that it can be swung out of the way asdesired against the door 15 of the drying chamber 14 as illustrated inFigure 5.

An auxiliary heating lamp or unit 48 is disposed in the chamber 12 toprovide the required temperature therein, while the developing tank 42has mounted thereon a hea ing unit or units 49 which form a part thereofadapted to maintain a temperature in the tank from 50 F. to 70 F. and tomaintain a positive temperature of approximately 65 F. for any length oftime.

These electrical heating units on the tank .42fi'a're mounted at anysuitable 'point'or points around or adjacent to the outer surface ofthetank 42 containing the developer but preferably at the bottom thereof asillustrated in Figure 3. I

After the films have been developed the operator opens the door 15 andslides a support or supports 50 fitted with books 51 from the upperrying chamber 14 into the compartment 6 so that he can suspend thehangers carrying the developed films on said,. hooks 51, and afterhanging the films, the slide 50 is moved back into the drying chamber 14and the door 15 closed to allow further do? veloping in the compartment6 and the films suspended in the drying compartment remain there duringthe drying period.

On the accumulation of films in the drying compartment 14 the door 52 isopened and the dried or partly dried films are removed therefrom but ifnecessary the films are hung in thelowcr drying chamber 13 on a similarslide 53 fitted with suspension hooks and thus the films can besubjected to a further drying operation.

The slide 53 can be moved outwardly after the opening of the door 55 ofthe lower drying compartment 13.

In the lower drying compartment 13 is a combined air fan and heatingelement 56 of any su'table type, which ci culates the heated ail-throughthe chambers 13 and 14 to assist the drying of the films.

The developing, fixing and washing tanks 42, 44 and 45 respectively areprovided with a tbcrmo siphon system of circulation which consists inproviding spaced battles 57 at each end of the tanks with a clearance 58between the walls, the baflles 57 terminating at a point above thebottom of the tanks and are united at the top with spaced distancepieces 59, the distance pieces forming guides for hangers carrying thefilms and so that a maxinmm number of hangers may be placed in the tankswithout abrading the neigbbouring films.

Should excess heat be im mrtcd for any reason the chemical or liquid isprevented from spilling o\cr the top of the tanks by the hermo s phonaction of the liqu d which will circulate upwardly over the battles 57and down through the clearances 58 back into the tank 44 or 45.

This circulation of the solution also acts as an automatic solutionagitation whereby an even density of the solution is maintained.

The film hangers are preferably of special construction and ofnon-corrosive material and are illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

These hangers are directed, firstly. to hold the films without the unduebulging that occurs in using the present type; secondly, in the rapidand effective manner in which the films are dropped or inserted thereinand maintaining the said films in a substantially flat position in saidhangers; and thirdly, in

roviding means whereby the smallest to the liirgest hanger can besuspended in the tanks.

In the construction of hanger as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, anupper plate 59 is provided and from the sides at the top lugs or ears 60longitudinally extend. which when in position, rest on theflanges 61 ofthe developing tanks 42, 43, 44 and 45.

From thisplate 59 a skeleton framework 62 of rectangular or other shapedepends and .the sides and bottom of this framework 62 are grooved as at63 inwardly from the inner is provided for the edges of the film, but te front face H 62a does not extend to the top of the upper plate 59being cut out as at 64 some distance below, and has its up er edge 65flanged or flared outwardly, so tl iat the flaring and the upper toplate 59 form a support for the leading end of the film as it is sli pedinto the hanger into position in the cii the sides and bottom of thehanger.

The bottom edge and the sides of the hanger are formed with a series ofspaced holes 66 to allow of the drainage of the solution therefrom whenthe hanger is removed from the tanks. I

As illustrated in Figure the hanger is designed fcr dropping the filmsvertically therein and inthis construction the front upper plate 620. isextended up to the level of the top of the back plate 59 and one or bothof these plates is or are flared outwardly as at 67 to provide a simplelead in for the edge of the film.

Combined with the hangers are'meansto allow the smallest hanger to besuspended in the tanks and magazines and these means preferably consistof an arm 68 pivoted at 69 to one of the lugs and which arm- 68 isadapted to swing to horizontal position to extend and rest on theopposite side of the tank or magazine and when not in use the arm 68 isadapted to swing down and remain in line with one of the sides of theban er.

The various magazines 27, 3 and 37 are cut away as at 70 at their topand sides to facilitate the removal of the articles stored therein.

As above described the red lamps 19 are disposed-so that the raysthereof are spread into the upper developing chamber 6, while the rearright hand side at the back is'.pro' vided with a sheet or pane offrosted or flashed opal glass 16 or other material capable of diffusionbehind which is dis used as at 1.7 red or white and red and white ightsvso as to allow of the rays lighting up the fin-.

ishing end of the chamber tor inspection of j the film or for-otherpurposes such as a pathological re ort.

The wh te lamp 17 and the red lamps 19 are arranged in circuit asillustrated in Figure 18 with switches 71, 72 in said circuit to control'the lighting requirements, the switch 71 controlling the lamps 19 andthe switch 72 controlling the lamp17.

The heating lamp 48, the heating unit 49 of the developing tank 42 andthe drying fan 56 are arranged in a common circuit i lustrated in Figure17, the respectivee ements being controlled by separate switchesrespectively 73, 74 and 75.

. In order to preventdamage by the undue retentionof the heat caused bythe elements,

annel at.

a pilot light or other indicator may be disposed in the circuit or ifdesired, the elements ma be under thermostatic control.

ach of the tanks 42, 43, 44 and 45 is r vided with a delivery outlet 76and each fitted with a non-corrosive flexible delivery pipe 77 fittedwith valves or clips 78 to normally close'tbe delivery ends thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 19 the tanks 42, 43, 44, 45 may beautomatically filled from or emptied'into supply tanks 79 by means ofnon-corrosive pipes 83, the tanks 79 being arranged on a platform 80vertically disposed 1n a frame or compartment of the cabinet 5, the.platform 80 sliding on guides 81 against the pull of compensatingweights 82 so that when the supply tanks 79 are below the level oftheir'respective tanks 42, 43, 44, 45 the liquid in said latter tanksflows by gravity into the receiving tanks 79 but when the tanks 79 arein their raised position, as illustrated, the liquid in the said tanks42, 43, 44, 45 is maintained at a constant level.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the double doors2021 of the compartment 6 may be dis ensed with and in lieu thereof adoor 83 hinged along the bot-' tom edge may be employed, the said doorbeing fitted with a plurality of sleeve covers 24 along the lengththereof while the lower rail 84 of the door may be cut away to receive aflap door 85 which when opened, as illustrated in Figure 21, allows theinsertion of cassettes and/or hangers or other articles into thecompartment 6.'

The doors, slides, walls and any other portionof the-cabinet 5 asrequired are l1ned with lead or non-corrosive material and in such amanner that all the parts relating to the compartment 6 are immune tolight rays while the lead linings are non-penetrative thereby preventingstray X-ray or secondary rays from-reaching or affecting the films inthe magazine.

In the modificati llustrated in Fi res 24 and 25 a cabinet is shown tobe emp oyed where the volume of work is not 'suflicient to warrant theuse of the larger cabinet and parts above described.

According to this construction the cabinet is formed with the uppercompartment 6 fitted with a hinged door 86 along the rail 87, the doorbeing rovided with sleeve covers 88, inspection window of red or rubymaterial, a red lamp holder 90, a glass pathological survey pane 160with a white or red, or both white and red lam s 170 behind it.

It will be notice thih drying chambers 13, 14 are dispensed wi The lowerportion of the cabinet 5a is divided into two separate compartments 91,92 the one compartment 91 being lead lined an utilized for the storageof cassettes, hangers, films and other articles required in the dethatin this construction velopment of the films and these articles aretransferred to the upper compartment 6 by the operator prior tocommencing the work.

Above this compartment 91 is the work bench 93 which is adapted to slideover the developing tanks as and when required.

The developing tanks in this instance are of suitable number, threebeing illustrated, comprising a developing tank 94, fixing tank 95'andwashing tank 90, the developing tank 94 being provided with a heatingelement 97 mounted on the base or other portion thereof, the tanks beingdisposed in the compartment 92 and the compartments 91, 92 are coveredby hinged doors 98.

In the construction of cabinet illustrated in Fi ures 22, 23 and 26, theapparatus is modi ed so as to be adapted for small film work such as isrequiredby dentists and apprehends a self-contained cabinet 99, a filmtill or magazine 100 and a special construction of hanger.

This cabinet 99 follows the outline illustrated and comprises an uppercompartment 101 extending along the entire width which is normallyclosed by the hinged doors 102 and a hinged frame provided with a rubyred inspection window 104, each door 102 having a sleeve cover 103fitted therein.

The top of the cabinet is provided with ruby red inspection windows 104,105 and a pathological inspection window 106 and lamps are arrangedsubstantially as and for the purposes above described.

The inspection window 101 is formed in a casing 107 which is adapted toclose over the space between the doors 102 to normally insure that thecompartment 101 is immune from light rays.

This casing 107 is adapted to swing upwardly and rearwardly asillustrated on its hinges 108, or it may be adapted to slide up wardlyand rearwardly to allow of the cabinet to be used as a desk and also toallow of an inspection of the developed films in the hanger 109 when itis disposed in the developing compartment,

At the bottom of the developing compartment 101 is a work bench 110 andto the side thereof is a hinged cover 111 normally covering thedeveloping tanks, three in number being illustrated, comprisin adevelopin tank 112, fixing tank 113 and washing tan 114, the said tanksbeing sus ended in the lower compartment 115 whic is-norma'lly closed atthe front thereof by a door 116, the developing tanks being heated inthe manner above described.

The hinged cover 111 durin izhe developing of the films is adapted toswun u wardly against the adjacent wall 117 0% tlie cabinet and is heldthereto by a suitable catch.

The lower compartment 118 fitted with a lead lined closure door 119 isadapted to store the magazine for the finished films, a magazine orcarrier for undeveloped films, hangers and other articles required fordeveloping.

The central rail 120 of the cabinet is fitted with a pass drawer 121positioned below the bench 102 which is hinged at the front edge so thatit can be raised and the films to be developed removed from the passdrawer 121 and fitted into the hanger 109 within thedevelopingcompartment 101.

The bench 102 is then returned to allow of the necessary developmentstages.

I desire it to be understood that by a simple variation the left handside of the dark chamber 6 can be provided with a series of spacedshelves or partitions adapted to receive the cassettes-and hangersbefore, during or after the operations of film development in said darkchamber 6.

The hanger 109 employed in this work consists of a frame set with spacedtiers 122 of film receivers 123 arranged one below the other, some ofwhich, as at 124, may be adapted to allow the films to be set with theshort ends lengthwise and some as at 123 with the shortends sidewise inthe hanger according to the method of photography.

On the face of the cross members of the frame is a plurality of narrowspaced vertical flanges or lugs 125 turned inwardly and between thesespaced vertical flanges at the bottom is a further flange or lug'126bent outwardly and upwardly, the space between the wall 127 of thehanger and the flanges 125,126 beingsufficient to allow of the easysliding therein of the edges of the film, a plurality of which can thusbe supported in a single hanger.

It will be obvious that the means for suspendin the films in the hangermay be varied if so desired.

The hanger frame 109 thus provides for the mounting of multiple filmcarriers and the carriers may receive the films in the sequence ofexposure of the films as above described.

The hanger frame 109 may also be provided at the top with the sidesuspension lugs 60 and ivoted extension arm 68 as above described Thereferred form of till or magazine for small films such as required fordentists use is illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 and consists of-, arectangular box 127 with a row of compartments 128 on either side of theloagitudinal centre, each compartment bein of a size to comfortablreceive an exposed fihn which is received herein at an inclination owingto each wall 129 cf the compartments being set box.

- his box 127 forms a magazine for the films and at one or both ends ofthe magazine is a compartment 130 which is adapted to reat an angle tothe side edges of the ceive a-. st ck of uncovered films, the wrappersof which are marked with an indicator to allow of the use in sequence asabove de- "scribed, while the compartments 128 are also marked insequence to follow the proper form of lacing as the exposed films arearranged t erein.

Each row of compartments 128 in the magazine 127 is fittediwith a lid127a hinging along the centre and closing over its respectivecompartment.

Prior to commencing operations the solutions for the developing andfixing tanks 42 and 44 respectively. are prepared and the tanks filledand also the rinsin and wash ing tanks 43 and 45 are filled wit waterand the cover 46 closed over the tanks as illustrated.

The arms of the operator are inserted in the extensible sleeve covers 24through the orifices or openings thereof.

1n the operation embodied in the invention the steps are effected in thefollowing cycle The cassette c'ar g the exposed film is transferred fromt he maga'zine 27 to the chamber 6 after the cover 28 to one side.

The light is prevented after this step from enteringbthe inside of thecabinet compartment 6 y the slide 28 which is returned to cover themagazine 27 and the ruby red li hts 19 are switched on so that theinterior 0 the said compartment is diffused with a corresponding coloressential-for the proc-- solution therein reaches the correcttemperamoved by the other hand of the. operator from the magazine 33.

The hanger 59 .with theexposed him is then removed from the slide'28 andplacedin the developing tank 42 which is uncovered together with theadjacent-tanks 43 and 44 by raising the.cover.46 to the verticalposition against the door 15. f After the exposed film in the-hanger 59has been inserted in the developing tank 42 by the right hand of theoperator, the slide 28 is returned to normal position over the magazines27, 83 with the lef hand.

The cassette is then returned to themagszine27or'chamber26tobeusedforafur- The slide 28 is then pushed tothe left hand; side to allow of access to the ban r mags-i sine and thefilm is then droppe or placedf m a hanger 59 of suitable size which i's-re- 1,eso,seo

ther exposure of films when required.

After 5 minutes, indication is given by a time bell or other-timingmechamsm or si nal, preferably a clock 131, that the film 1s deve opedand the hands are then placed inside the extensible sleeves and theslide '28 5 is then ushed to the left.

The is taken from the developer 42 rinsed in the water tank 43 andplaced in the fixi tank 44. l

A r 10 minutes or thereabouts, the film is taken from the fixing tank 44and placed in the washing tank 45 This last operation can be effected indaylight with the door or doors of the dark chamber 6 open.

After suitable washing, the film with the hanger can then be placed in aspecial container or be arrangedin front ofthe view light 17 and over agutter to allow drainage back to the washing tank 45 and the cover 46 isreturned over the tanks 42, 43, 44, 45.

The white light 17 at the rear of the pathological survey window 16 isthen switched on whereby the can then be viewed and reported onpathologically or otherwise.

- After this'step, the inner door 15 of the drying chamber 14 is openedto allow the slide 50 on whichthe hanger is supported to be moved intothe drying chamber 14 and this operation, if neoessary,can be effectedin the dark.

The drying fan 56 is then switched on to facilitate the drying of the-After drying the film is taken from the drying chamber 14 without theadmission of ii ht, into theinside dark chamber 6 or the fi may beremoved for storage or inspection.

After the drying of the film or films has been completed all switchesare turned ofi'.

Behind the sleeve covers 24 a covering flap adapted'to drop when thearms are removed to ensure a light-tight mounting while, in someinstances, the apparatus may be made up with or without several of thefeatures such as the pass drawer, the mags zine, white light, the dryingchamber and -emptying--a d filling appliance and still-be ableto'operate' for developing purposes as above described! -I-desire it tobe understood that the parts liable to be efiected by the solutions arepreferably formed of non-corrosive material and other parts or chambers.suitably lined, such as with lead to protect them from the stray orsecondary rays.

. The a paratus and method embodying the essentia featuresand functionsand for the pn oses above described will be of great utility andembodies parts which in their ordinary and separate use, will be ofgreat yalue in developing'films and a distinct advaries in the art; and"I desire it to be understood that modifications;-'improvements andvariations may well be evolved within the ambit of the invention asherein described without departing from its spirit and scope.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patentis 1. Means for developing X-ray and other photographic films,comprising a unitar cabinet of the hand insertion type in whic all theoperations required in a dark room m ".y be eflected, a dark chamberwithin said cabinet having in combination therewith cas sette and hangermagazines, developing, rinsing, fixing and washing tanks and a dryingchamber, and light-tight sleeve cov rs for the reception of theoperators arm. .0 permit 21 film to be transferred to and from any oneof the units within the cabinet.

2. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitarycabinet,

light-tight and flexible sleeve covers disposed at the front -thereof,to permit the insertion of the operators arms within the cabinet, a darkchamber within said cabinet, and a series of lead-lined compartmentspositioned below the dark chamber in which are disposed respectivelycassette, film and hanger magazines, developing, rinsing, fixing andwashing tanks, and a drying chamber.

3. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitarycabinet of the hand insertion type, comprising in combination a casing,the upper portion of which is formed as a dark chamber, the lowerportion of said casing being divided into a series of lead-linedcompartment-.5 to provide space for a storage chamber, cassette, filmand hanger magazines and developing, rinsing, fixing and washing tanksrespectively, a drying chamber communicating with the dark chamber butnormally closed therefrom, a lead-lined slide in the bottom of the saiddark chamber disposed over the magazine compartments and usable as aworking bench, light-tight and flexible sleeve covers for the receptionof the operators arms whereby the films may be transferred to and fromthe various units within the cabinet, means for difl using varyingcolored lights into the dark chamber, and an inspection panel of rubyglass at the front of the cabinet near the top thereof.

4. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitarycabinet of the hand-insertion ty e, a dark chamber in the upper portionof said cabinet, the lower portion of which is divided to providestorage space and a further space for suspending a developing tank, afixing tank, a rinsing tank, and a washing tank, means attached to thedeveloping tank for supplying heat thereto, means to provide access tothe said tanks from inside the dark chamber, a red or ruby coloredinspection panel directed into said chamber, doors at the front of saiddark chamber, light-tight and flexible sleeve covers fitted in the saiddoors for the reception of the arms of the operator, means for diffusingthe interior of the dark chamber with a ruby colored li ht, aninspection window within the said d ark chamber with exterior means fordifl'using a white light therethrough for the )urposes herein specified.

5. n means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinetof the hand-insertion type, comprising a casing embodying in combinationa compartment above a central table adapted to form a dark chamber, awork bench slidably mounted on said table in the dark chamber, doors toclose the dark chamber while in operation in conjunction with a movablecentral portion hingedly mounted on the cabinet, light-tight andflexlble sleeve covers in the dark chamber doors, a storage chamberbelow the central table, an adjacent chamber below the said table inwnich is suspended developin fixing and washing tanks, means on saiddeveloping tank for supplying heat thereto, a hinged cover normallyclosing the said tanks from the dark chamber, a drawer in the casingadapted to pass articles or material into the said dark chamber, aninspection panel of ruby red in the central movable portion adapted tobe directed into the dark chamber, an additional inspection window atthe back of the said chamber, and means for dif-' fusing, as desired, ared light or white light into the dark chamber.

6. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitarycabinet wherein a dark chamber has incorporated therewith cassette filmand hanger magazines, and a series of developing tanks, the magazinesbeing divided into a plurality of compartments of varying sizes toreceive cassettes and hangers of corresponding sizes, means to preventlateral movement of the hangers carrying films when in the developingtanks, comprising guideways disposed therein, and means for heating themain developing tank and automatically agitating the solution therein.

7. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinethaving in combination a dark chamber, magazines for cassettes, films andhangers, a developing tank, fixing tank, and washing tanks, thecompartments of the magazines being cut away at the top' and sidesthereof to facilitate the removal of the contents, and spacing membersdisposed in the develo ing tanks to prevent lateral displacement o thehangers and contact between the films held thereby when suspended in thetanks.

8. In means for developin X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinetcontaining a dark chamber the doors of which are fitted with light-tightand flexible sleeves, covers, stora spaces below the said dark room inwhic are disposed cassette, film and hanger magazines, and a series ofdevelopin tanks, a drying chamber in combination wit the dark chamberand developinl tanks, means for slidably supporting t e m carryinghangers in the drying chamber for assmg the films from the said darkchamr into the dr in chamber, door closure means between tii e irl:chamber and drying chamber, and means for circulating hea air throughthe drying chamber as herein described.

9. In means for developin X-ray and other photo raphic films, a umtarycabinet of the ban -insertion type, in combination therewith a filmmagaain'e formed with a plurality of compartments arranged in rows,compartments at each end of the magazine adapted to receive uncoveredfilms arranged in sequence, intermediate compartments in said cabinet,havin inclined bases, each compartment being in icated whereby each filmis arranged, and developed in sequence in the dark chamber of thecabinet.

Signed at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, this 31st day of March A. D.1930.

JOHN EARL BOWKER.

